Key takeaways
The transition to the digital SAT introduces new pricing structures and financial aid options for students. Understanding the costs associated with the digital SAT can help students avoid unnecessary expenses and make informed decisions about their testing experience.
- The base cost to take the digital SAT in the U.S. is $68, with an additional international registration fee of $43 for students testing outside the U.S. (College Board, 2025).
- Fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. students, covering two free SAT tests and eliminating change or cancellation fees.
- Additional fees can accumulate quickly, such as a $34 late registration fee and $29 for changing test centers.
- Register online at collegeboard.org and be mindful of deadlines to avoid late fees and additional charges.
Contents
The transition to the digital SAT hasn’t changed just the format—it’s also raised new questions about pricing and who qualifies for financial help. We will break down exactly how much the digital SAT costs—and how to avoid overpaying.
What Is the Cost to Take the Digital SAT in 2025?
The base cost to take the digital SAT in the U.S. is $68.
Students testing internationally are subject to an international registration fee of $43, with additional regional surcharges in some countries.
How to Register for the Digital SAT?
Legacy Online School helps students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed on the SAT® and ACT®. All lessons are delivered live online, with real-time support and feedback from qualified instructors who are fully invested in your progress. If you’re serious about improving your score, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
You can register online through the College Board:
- Go to collegeboard.org
- Log into or create a College Board account
- Choose an available test date and location
- Pay the fee by credit/debit card or fee waiver (if eligible)
How to Update or Cancel Your SAT Test Date?
Changing your test date requires canceling and re-registering. If you cancel by the deadline, the fee is $29. If you wait until after the deadline but before Thursday evening before the test, the fee jumps to $39.
What Are SAT Fee Waivers and How Do They Work?
Fee waivers are available for U.S.-based students in financial need. You must meet certain criteria—like being enrolled in a free/reduced lunch program or part of a federal assistance program.
This is what you get with a waiver:
- Two free SAT tests
- Free unlimited score sends
- No change/cancelation fees
- Free college applications at many participating schools
“I requested a fee waiver for SATs and they got back to me in ~2 or 3 days I think”
— u/dczai, Reddit
What Additional Fees Should You Be Aware Of?
Here’s a full breakdown of potential additional fees:
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | When It Applies? |
| Late Registration | $34 | If you miss the regular deadline but register before the late deadline |
| Test Center Change | $29 | If you switch your test location after registering |
| Standard Cancellation | $29 | If you cancel by the change deadline |
| Late Cancellation | $39 | If you cancel after the change deadline but before test day |
| Additional Score Reports | $14 each | After the first 4 free reports (must be ordered within 9 days post-test) |
| Rush Score Report | $31 + $14 | If you need to expedite delivery to colleges |
| Scores by Phone | $15 | If you request scores via phone instead of online |
| Archived Score Retrieval | $35 | If your SAT score is more than a year old |
| Score Verification | $55 | If you request hand scoring for Essay or multiple-choice questions |
| International Fee | $43 | If you test outside the U.S. and its territories |
| International Test Center Surcharge | $24 (varies) | Added by some international centers for facility use |
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: College Board, Reddit
